Derek MacKenzie suspended three games by NHL Dept. of Player Safety

Derek MacKenzie suspended three games by NHL Dept. of Player SafetyBlue Jackets center Derek MacKenzie has been suspended three games for a hit on Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

NEW YORK – Columbus Blue Jackets forward Derek MacKenzie has been suspended for three games, without pay, for boarding Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson during NHL Game No. 620 in Phoenix on Thursday, Jan. 2, the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety announced today.

The incident occurred at 8:46 of the first period. No penalty was assessed for the hit.

Under the terms of the collective Bargaining Agreement and based on his average annual salary, MacKenzie will forfeit $15,384.63. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.